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MCCU & Battle Jacks Partnership Hits a Home Run

06/23/2025

By: Laura Van Dyke, CCUFC

MCCU & Battle Jacks Partnership Hits a Home Run

Two Battle Creek organizations have stepped up to the plate and knocked it out of the park. Marshall Community Credit Union (MCCU) and the Battle Creek Battle Jacks received a Category’s Best Diamond Award from America’s Credit Unions (formerly CUNA – the Credit Union National Association) for their outstanding partnership.

The award—Categories Best for Community Partnerships, Endorsements & NIL Efforts—recognizes the innovative and impactful ways MCCU and the Battle Jacks have teamed up to support the Battle Creek community. MCCU competed among 180 credit unions nationwide to receive a Diamond Award, the most prestigious annual honor recognizing excellence in credit union marketing and business development. The Category’s Best distinction places MCCU’s efforts at the top of its class above 13 other finalists.

“Bringing this award home to Battle Creek is incredibly meaningful,” said Laura Van Dyke, MCCU’s Financial Education Specialist and partnership lead. “Our partnership with the Battle Jacks is more than just putting our logo on an outfield sign—it’s about creating memorable experiences, building local pride, and investing in the community.”

“MCCU’s partnership with the Battle Jacks is multi-faceted and integrates our brand into the fan experience, both inside and outside the stadium,” said Alyssa Jones, MCCU’s Marketing Director & Brand Manager. “We want to show up visibly, of course, but more so where we create moments of connection with the community.”

Together, MCCU and the Battle Jacks plan community-focused events including a movie night, Battle Jacks Book Club, Education Day, annual Community Tailgate, and specialty jersey nights to raise money for a charitable organization in the community. During select home games, MCCU team members are onsite with a pop-up Financial and Fraud Trivia table to engage fans in education (and to give away some great prizes). “We have trivia questions for all ages so everyone in the family can participate,” adds Van Dyke. “Education is in our mission, so when we are out in the community, we are focused on providing financial education in a fun, family-friendly way.”

“Winning this award alongside MCCU is an incredible honor and a true testament to what’s possible when local organizations work together with purpose,” said Brody Conaty, General Manager of the Battle Jacks. “This recognition reflects the heart of our partnership—building community, creating impact, and going beyond the game to make a real difference in Battle Creek. We’re proud to share this recognition with MCCU.”

From youth engagement nights and community givebacks to fun-filled in-game activations and financial education outreach, the MCCU-Battle Jacks partnership exemplifies the power of local collaboration and the unique ways organizations can make a difference.

About MCCU

Marshall Community Credit Union is a federally insured full-service financial institution with offices located in Battle Creek, Coldwater, and Marshall. For more information on products, services, or membership, please contact 269.781.9885 or visit marshallcommunitycu.com.

About The Battle Creek Battle Jacks

The Battle Creek Battle Jacks are a collegiate summer baseball team playing in the prestigious Northwoods League. The team is committed to providing high-quality, family-friendly entertainment and contributing positively to the Battle Creek community.